Meclizine

WHAT IS IT?

Meclizine (Dramamine, Antivert, Verticalm) is a antihistamine medication that is a commonly used anti-emetic. Meclizine is an antagonist at histamine (H1) receptors. It possesses anticholinergic, central nervous system depressant, and local anesthetic effects as well.

WHEN DO WE USE IT?

In patents with nausea/vomiting, vertigo (such as in BPPV), motion sickness

Source
Source
WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?

Due to anti-cholinergic activity, should consider if needed in patients with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, angle-closure glaucoma, or prostatic hypertrophy.

HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

Oral administration (1 hour before anticipated motion sickness)

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?

CNS depression,

ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?

Category B in pregnancy

FURTHER READING

DynaMed

UpToDate

Page Updated: 05.28.2016